Four on the bounce for Bridgend

Bridgend Ravens extended their winning run to four games with a 13-20 victory over struggling Swansea at St Helens.

The Ravens took a slender 6-7 lead back to the changing rooms at half-time thanks to a Luke Morgan try. And second half scores from Nathan Edwards and Ashleigh James were enough to secure the points for the visitors, despite them twice being reduced to 14 men.

The victory is another boost for the Ravens, who have turned their season around after a difficult September. They still sit ninth in the Principality Premiership table but are now just four points adrift of seventh and could leapfrog both Cardiff and Newport with a win at Parc y Scarlets on Friday.

Ravens hooker James nearly gave the visitors a very early lead as he broke down the left wing, only to be forced in to touch just short of the try-line. Fly-half Jamie Murphy also missed a long-range penalty from halfway in a scoreless opening 10 minutes. But this early pressure soon told. Rhys Ward Jones sidestepped his way down the left touchline and was supported well by the Bridgend forwards who spread the ball to the opposite wing for Luke Morgan to finish excellently in the corner.

The visitors' scrum lacked the dominance it has shown in recent wins and both sides struggled from the set-piece, with penalties going each way in the first half. Both sides kicked for territory before Swansea full back Nicky Thomas slotted over a penalty from 40 metres to cut the deficit to four points.

It was to be Thomas' last contribution to the game, as he hobbled off minutes later and Cameron Clement took over the kicking duties. The number 10 missed his first attempt from distance but had no problem with the second, ensuring his side left the field at half-time trailing by the narrowest of margins.

It didn't take long for the Ravens to restore a cushion and the scoreboard read Swansea 6-15 Bridgend just ten minutes later. Edwards was on hand to capitalise from a Swansea knock-on, hacking the ball towards the line and showing good pace to touch down for the score. Another scrum penalty then handed Murphy three points from the Swansea 22m.

Again the Whites fought back and Bridgend were dealt a double blow with just over 20 minutes left. After good work from Swansea hooker Paul John, Ravens prop Jon Thomas attempted to slow the ball down metres from the line. Referee Simon Rees signalled the penalty but allowed the advantage and Aled Jenkins scored in the corner. Rees then sent Thomas to the sin-bin and the gap was down to just two points.

But the Ravens didn't seem fazed by the dismissal and sealed the victory soon afterwards. Five metres from Swansea's line, a neat line-out to Shaun O'Rourke was passed back to hooker James, who barrelled over in the corner.

Ashley Evans came close to securing a winning bonus point but was foiled at the line and the Ravens defence then had to cope with a late yellow card for Steve Winn and some heavy Swansea pressure. Again they showed their defensive resilience and a big tackle by skipper Jonathon Vaughan resulted in a penalty for the visitors with the referee blowing for full-time soon afterwards.

In this week's podcast with WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie, Llandovery skipper Richard Brooks reveals the signing of the Principality Premiership season while Ebbw Vale's Ronny Keynes says his side aren't panicing, despite being at the wrong end of the East division points table.

Volulnteers in junior and youth rugby around Wales, such as those in the Blues region featured here, are working more closely than ever on a joined up approach to attracting and keeping players in the game.

Llandovery are currently sitting top of the west division with three wins from three games in the Principality Premiership. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie talks to Drovers head coach Euros Evans as he prepares his side to face a resurgent Neath.

This week is round three of the Principality Premiership. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie talks to Bedwas skipper George Lee and loyal Bargoed servant Leigh Meads along with ex-Carmarthen Quins coach Louie Tonkin who is now seeking success with Bahrain.

The Principality Premiership kicks off this weekend with a new format. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discussed the season's prospects with defending champions Merthyr along with Cross Keys, RGC 1404 and Aberavon at the official launch held at Principality Stadium earlier this week.

The new Principality Premiership season kicks off this weekend with defending champions Merthyr beginning their defence of the title against Cross Keys in the East division. Coach Dale MacIntosh and Phillip Rees are expecting a tough season ahead.

Time is running out for young fans to enjoy rugby camps in North Wales and in the Dragons region. Boys and girls, aged 6-14, will have the chance to boost their skills, making friends and having fun in the process.

Lead Volunteer Gemma Sherlock sees the Rhondda Miners Cluster as a perfect pathway for young girls in the area to work towards Under 18 and senior rugby as the cluster continues to go from strength to strength.

Ysgol y Berwyn School club hub officer Euros Jones uses a unique Welsh-centric programme to encourage youngsters to the game with Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and George North just some of the heroes that the likes of eight-year-old Moli aspire to be.

As part of her role as a Lions Home Ambassador, WRU apprentice Kira Philpott, supported by her fellow apprentices, organised a Disability Rugby Lions Legacy festival at the WRU National Centre of Excellence.

Second row Sean Moore began the season playing for Division One club Mountain Ash and ended it playing for Wales in the World Rugby U20 Championship. He tells us about his whirlwind rise to international rugby which will give hope to all club players who have missed out on regional rugby.

Ever wondered what it takes to feed a World Cup squad away from home? Nutritionist Chris Edwards talks us through the Wales U20 utrition plan in Tbilisi, Georgia which has kept the lads going throughout the World Rugby U20 Championship campaign.

Joe Goodchild and Phil Jones were part of a Wales U20s group who visited Georgia's Paralympic centre. After playing various sports against Georgia's best paralympians, both admitted the visit has opened their eyes and put their defeat to Scotland in perspective.

There was a special reunion recently for Wales head coach Robin McBryde when he visited Parc Eirias to play Mark Jones' RGC side. He was re-united with Denley Isaac - the man who spotted him as a raw 19-year-old and put him on the path to international rugby.

There is still everything to play for in the Principality Premiership East Division with the top two locked on the same number of points going into the penultimate round of matches in the first phase this weekend.

WRU

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Principality Premiership

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National Leagues

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